Trawling through the deceased’s assets so soon after death can be a painful and confusing exercise.
After the death of a loved one, it is important to handle the affairs of the deceased quickly to avoid potential HMRC fines for late payment of inheritance tax.
Our supportive and empathetic probate solicitors in London can assist you with each stage of the probate process. From legal advice on preparing probate documents, to help with probate forms such as inheritance tax forms. We can ensure that everything is completed and submitted correctly and on time, so you don’t have to worry.
Probate Solicitor Fees
Your initial appointment with us would be free and during this time we would go through a list of the deceased’s assets and inspect their will (if they had one). This will give us an idea of what will be involved in order to apply for probate and distribute the assets. At the end of the initial appointment, we will be able to give you a fixed-fee quote for the service.
Fees start from £750 + VAT where the deceased died with a will, has a limited number of assets (bank accounts, a very small number of shares), and where the net value of the estate does not exceed the nil-rate band threshold (usually £325,000). Where the deceased died without a will or where there are a lot of assets, or where the net value of the estate exceeds the nil-rate band threshold, or where the distribution of the estate includes transfer of property (i.e. a house/apartment) fees would increase.
Our fees do not include fees charged by third parties (disbursements), for example, the probate registry fee (approx. £155).
Call a probate solicitor in London on 0208 907 2699 or email info@mscsolicitors.co.uk to find out more.
Stage One: Preparing Documents for Probate
The first stage is to understand the assets that the deceased had, and how they wanted them distributed. This is used to prepare the Inheritance Tax forms and to assess whether any inheritance tax is due. Many people find inheritance tax forms extremely time-consuming and confusing. This where our probate solicitors in North London can help.
We can do these for you, so you can be sure your probate documents have been completed and submitted correctly.
The Executors named in the will also need to sign a document called an Oath for Executors.
We can prepare this for you and make arrangements for it to be signed.
If there was no will or the will is invalid, intestacy rules are applied. This determines who acts as the personal representative of the deceased, and how funds will be distributed.
We can advise on any intestacy issues and prepare the necessary documentation for you.
Stage Two: Applying for Probate in London
Once the probate forms and documents have been prepared with our help, they will need to be sent to the District Probate Registry.
If your application is submitted by a probate solicitor or lawyer, the fee for applying for probate is less than if you apply yourself or if someone who is not a qualified solicitor applies on your behalf.
It normally takes the District Probate Registry 4-8 weeks to grant probate once they receive the documents from you or a probate solicitor.
Stage Three: Distributing Assets
Once the grant of probate (or letters of administration in cases of intestacy) has been issued, it is possible to begin distributing the deceased’s assets in line with their will, or the rules of intestacy. This process can be confusing, as different assets require the completion of different formalities. Our probate solicitors in London can support you.
We can help with the distribution of all assets, including land, shares, money and other property. The exact procedure to be followed varies from case to case. For a more detailed insight into the procedure involved with your matter, please contact us using our advice line or the form below for more information or a quote.